A lot of individuals travel in relation to NWU every year. Here are a few recommendations to help make sure you continue to have access to NWU services whether you are across the state or across the planet (we do not have policies for traveling to Mars, yet).
Plan ahead, what to do before leaving:
- Login to your Okta Home page and through settings in the upper right verify your alternate email address is still correct. If it needs to be updated login to Ellucian Self Service and update it.
- Determine if you will have access to your current cellphone/phone number where you will be.
- If you will not you will need to setup alternate MFA functions such as an authenticator app, Okta Verify or a Yubikey security key. To add these functions please refer to this article .
- If you have a new foreign number already you will want to update it in Ellucian Self Service as that is how we contact you if need arises. You will also want to add it as a text option in Okta MFA if it is already working and accessible now.
- Verify your MFA settings. If you will be gone for more than a week as the above sub note it is highly recommended to add additional MFA options to your account like Okta Verify which can work over WiFi and does not need a phone number.. See the above linked article.
- If you will be gone for a month or more, go ahead and change your password now so you do not have to worry about it while you are away. To change your password check out this article .
- If you have a university provided device make sure it is up to date and has our antivirus installed and updated. Also, verify with User Services that your device has full drive encryption enabled.
- If you do not have a university provided device it is highly recommended to install an antivirus software.
- It is highly recommended to install and setup our VPN . This will allow you access to local on campus services, and also make sure that you maintain access to services like Canvas no matter where you travel. NOTE: VPN access is not available in China due to their Governmental policies.
While away:
- Make sure to keep your computer up to date with updates. Do not skip any.
- Test access as soon as possible, before it is required. While we know that China restricts access other countries might also so you should try as soon as possible to access. If you do not have access you can call User Services at +1(402)465-7777 if you can not get to this support site to open a ticket.
- Some countries or regions might inspect laptops on entry and exit.
- Limit usage of WiFi networks outside of your accommodations, or even at your accommodations. If you do ALWAYS use the VPN. Places like Coffee Shops and Book Stores are not safe WiFi locations.
- If you can sit with your back towards a wall so others can not see what you are working on.
- Always be aware of others around you.
- Never leave your laptop unattended no matter how safe it looks. If something happens to your NWU supplied device please report it IMMEDIATELY to User Services if they are open M-F 8-5 CST US (GMT -5/-6), or by mailing jourada@nebrwesleyan.edu or sdow@nebrwesleyan.edu
- Do not trust hotel safes, all hotel employees have access to them.
- Never type your password or enter your phone pin number while others are watching.
- Never change or reset your password in a public area or using unsecured WiFi.
On Return:
- Your laptop might be inspected on reentry if you were outside the US.
- Remove any foreign numbers you might have added or that might have replaced your local cell number.
- Verify your MFA and other settings and make sure nothing has been added or tampered with.